Smoking is harmful for everyone, especially for people with diabetes. It is also the leading preventable cause for death, all around the globe. Smoking increases the risk of cancer as well as other diseases which are related to your lungs. Along with that, it is also a risk factor for diabetes. Therefore, diabetes and smoking are interlinked.
There are a number of factors that can lead to type 2 diabetes. These include age, family history, an inactive lifestyle, consumption of alcohol. Etc. Among these, smoking significantly increases the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
How does smoking increase the chance of developing Type 2 diabetes?
Smokers are 40 % more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than non-smokers.
The chemicals present in cigarettes can damage the cells of your body and hamper your functioning. They lead to inflammation in your body which reduces the effectiveness of insulin.
They can also lead to oxidative stress. It is the process in which the chemicals present in the cigarette mix with the oxygen present in your body. This leads to cell damage and an increased chance of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Smoking also hampers the management of your sugar levels and insulin production. It contains nicotine which reduces the effectiveness of insulin. Therefore, people who smoke, require more insulin to regulate their blood glucose levels.
Diabetes and Smoking – Complications
It is common knowledge that diabetes can lead to numerous complications if your sugar levels are not monitored at the right time and in the right manner. If diabetes and smoking are out together, it can lead to the following complications-
- Blindness
- Nerve Damage
- Heart Disease
- Kidney Failure
- Skin Problems
The complications aren’t limited to the above-listed ones. They depend upon an individual’s health history and diabetic condition.
Read More: Diabetes and Lung Disease – Is Your Immunity at Risk?
Smoking Addiction
Consuming nicotine can be very addictive. Even when you consume it infrequently, it can lead to a dependence on this harmful substance. There are a number of products available in the market which can help you cut down on your consumption of nicotine. These include- nicotine gums, patches, lozenges, etc. These can only be effective when one has the will to improve their health and better manage their diabetic condition.
Reducing Your Nicotine Consumption to Beat Diabetes
Quitting smoking might seem like a difficult task. But it is possible for every individual, at any age. If you have Type 2 diabetes, smoking can make the management of your sugar levels impossible. The sooner you quit smoking, the sooner your body will begin to heal and the management of your sugar levels won’t seem as tedious. By quitting smoking, you can even increase the effectiveness of insulin.
If you have Type 2 diabetes or you are at risk of developing this chronic condition, smoking can further complicate or aggravate your condition. It can put more stress on your body and reduce the effectiveness of your diabetes treatment.
Your diabetes educator or health coach will help you understand your condition in a better manner and will also help you suggest ways to quit smoking in a more easy and efficient manner. You should take all the necessary measures to safeguard your health and manage diabetes in the best possible manner.
For the proper management of diabetes, quitting smoking isn’t enough. You should also follow all the recommendations given by your diabetes educator. These will include consuming a healthy diet, having a regular workout regime, and monitoring your sugar levels on a regular basis. Regular monitoring is the key to managing your diabetic condition.
